Social Studies and Literature

Teaching with Children’s Literature

Why teach with Literature?

Children should be actively engaged in learning experiencesSocial Studies should be relevant to children’s livesSocial Studies should be a shared learning experienceSocial Studies should deepen children’s conceptual understanding

Von Heyking, A.; Social Studies Through Literature, (2001), Scholastic Canada

Appropriate use of Literature

A literary selection, writing assignment, cooperative learning activity, or computerized simulation cannot be considered curriculum simply because it features social studies combined with some other subject or set of skills. Nor can such activities be substituted for genuine social studies activities.

To qualify as worthwhile elements of social studies curricula, activities must engage students in using important ideas in ways that promote progress toward social understanding and civic efficacy goals.

A Vision of Powerful Teaching and Learning in the Social Studies: Building Social Understanding and Civic Efficacy.

So, Literature must address a Social Studies general or specific outcome, whether knowledge, attitude, or skill.

Advantages to using Literature

Stories place children in timeChildren are comfortable with storiesA good way to start a lessonSocial Studies is real-life based. Stories give another view Visual representation in stories to assist with understandingAdds variety to lessons and units

Advantages (con’t.)

Stories clarify concepts. Children like to know the answerPromotes higher order thinking skillsPromotes conversation and interactionHeightens moral and social awarenessDevelops positive attitudes towards other culturesProvides insights to self

Cautions for Using Literature

Social Studies content can distort the purpose of the story. Do not substitute stories for a textbook

Fact or Fiction? Children may not know

Stories can provide a superficial treatment of Social Studies concepts

Guidelines

Teach explicitly, directly and often the distinction between fact and fiction

Give students opportunities to respond aesthetically to the story

Select good books

What are “Good” books?

Broaden or deepen a Social Studies concept

Interesting and developmentally appropriate

Accurate and free of stereotypes

Moral issues should invite critical thinking

Illustrations complement the text

Collection reflects multicultural nature of our nation and world